> Passports

How to apply for a passport?

1. Request an APS2 form from the Irish Embassy in Beijing.

This can be done by calling to the Embassy in person or by sending an email to beijing@dfa.ie requesting the form be sent to your address. You should send your address, in Chinese characters, and your mobile telephone number. The form will be sent to you by courier (charges of around 25 RMB must be paid on delivery).

2. Complete the application form, paying particular attention to the following:

1. The photograph requirements of the Passport Office are very specific and are unfamiliar to Chinese photographers. Make sure you bring the photograph guidelines with you to the photographer and check the photos against the template provided
2. Your citizenship is based on one of six categories (born in Ireland, born abroad to a parent born in Ireland, Foreign Birth Registration, Naturalisation, Post Nuptial Citizenship or Adoption). In Section 3 of the APS form, be sure to tick only one box in either section A, B or C. Please state the county of your birth if born in Ireland or the country if born abroad.   
3. The witness must sign the back of one photograph and place the form number on this. The witness must place their signature and stamp in the appropriate spaces at Section 9
4. If you would like a member of Embassy staff to witness your application, this can be arranged by appointment and will cost 325 RMB. Please email beijing@dfa.ie to request an appointment.
5. For minor applications, both parents must give their consent in front of a qualified witness
6. Children over 7 are expected to sign their own application form
7. For minor applications where the child is under 7, the parent should place their own signature in the box on the right hand side of Section 8

3. Before submitting your application, take note of the 11 digit barcode; there is a sticker beside the photograph area which can be removed. This will be your identification code and can be used to check the progress of your application on www.passport.ie

4. Return the completed passport application with supporting documentation and fee as appropriate to the Embassy address.

5. Your application will be processed by the Embassy and the passport will be produced by the Passport Office in Dublin. Applicants should allow 3 months for the application process. The Embassy cannot guarantee delivery of a passport where applicants have not applied 3 months in advance of the date of expiry of a passport/visa.  

How much does a passport cost?

Fees for Passport applications lodged in Beijing may be paid in cash, by Chinese postal order, by bank draft or by completing the credit card details on the application form.

Postal orders should be made out to: 爱尔兰使馆 (The Embassy of Ireland). The applicants name and date of birth should be written in the comments at the bottom of the postal order.

Bank drafts must be made out to: Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland. The applicants name and date of birth should be written on the back of the bank draft.

In the event the application is for a child please have the name of the buyer of the postal order or bank draft written on the back.

The Embassy cannot accept payment by personal cheque or euros.

What if I lose my passport?

It is extremely important to take care of your passport while in China. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will not be able to leave China without first obtaining a replacement passport (issued by the Embassy or Consulate) and a replacement visa (issued by the Chinese authorities). This can take more than a week. You will not be permitted to take an internal flight in China or check into a hotel without your passport, but you can travel by train.

It is advisable to take a copy of your passport and a copy of your Visa. This should be carried with you at all times.

If you lose your passport, you must report it immediately to the nearest police station (公安局) to file a police report.

You should present to the Embassy with your completed Police Report and the following documentation:

• long form birth certificate
• a civil marriage certificate, if appropriate

• and evidence of entitlement to Irish citizenship ,where applicable
• additional form of photo-identification; e.g. copy of drivers licence, work ID; student card; social club membership; passport from other country etc
• documentary evidence to show use of name, e.g. payslips; records of unemployment or disability payment; bank statement; college registration etc.
• evidence of residency at the application address, e.g. utility bills; official correspondence from public or private sector etc.

If an applicant reports two passports as lost, the next passport issued to them will have a reduced validity of 2 years. Any further passports will be issued for the standard validity of 10 years.

If you lose your passport while on holiday in China, the Embassy or Consulate can issue an Emergency Travel Document to facilitate your travel plans home.

Emergency Passports

Emergency Passports can be issued in certain cases such as needing to travel for a medical emergency, the death of a relative or urgent business essential to the Irish economy.

Emergency passports cannot be issued to minors.

The issuing of an Emergency Passport causes the holder’s current passport to be cancelled. 

Emergency Passports are valid for 7 months and are not acceptable for entry into the United States of America.